Classes for Senior School Ages
On completion of Grade 2 dance, students graduate from our Junior School and progress to our Senior School.
At this age, students are encouraged to take at least 2 ballet classes per week and they also have the opportunity to be invited to our vocational class programme with pointe work. We also offer ISTD Modern and Tap; Jazz; Contemporary, and Acro classes. Many of our students choose to study all these genres alongside our vocational programme.
Teen beginners are also able to join these classes at Grade 3 level. The syllabus followed allows for examinations to be taken if desired, or the classes can be used to just have fun and improve your fitness and coordination!
Many of our senior students use our classes for the voluntary, skills and physical sections of their Duke Of Edinburgh awards by being our class assistants.
RAD Ballet
Danceforce follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus.
The classes available are:
Pre Primary to Grade 8 for children from 5-6 years and upwards
The graded examination syllabus incorporates ballet, free movement and character. It is recommended that children do two ballet classes a week from Grade 3 level.
Vocational Syllabus:
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Ballet
For very dedicated students who would like to pursue a career connected with dance or for extra technique and strength for the Higher Grades 6,7 and 8.
Preparing for examinations gives students a sense of achievement, increased confidence and self-esteem. The RAD is an awarding body accredited by the QCA and students can earn UCAS points.
Pointe Work
Students for these classes need to be 12 years of age/Grade 5 ballet and above and be attending at least 2 ballet classes per week.
Pointe classes are only for well-trained dancers of a certain standard which will be determined by your main Ballet teacher and school Principal, Miss Carol.
If/when you are ready for Pointe shoes and can start attending Pointe Work classes, Pointe shoes are to be fitted by a professional and reputable Pointe Shoe Fitter, recommendations can be given by your Ballet teacher.
Pointe work is the ultimate goal for many dancers, so when the time is right, you will love to be a part of this magical class, but hard-work is key!
Ballet Conditioning
This class is open for anyone studying Grade 2 and above.
Ballet Conditioning classes train dancers in muscle memory to improve technique and awareness of muscles. This will benefit all types of dance whether ballet, modern, jazz or contemporary are studied.
Stretching is essential for dance students to help prevent injuries and to create long lean pliable muscles
ISTD Modern & Tap
Danceforce follows the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance [ISTD] syllabus.
Modern classes improve coordination and help students to gain flexibility and strength. The syllabus covers lyrical, blues, jazz and funky isolations. It is recommended to study Ballet to take Grade 2 Modern and above as the syllabus is technique based. 15 minutes of limbering is attached to Modern classes from Grade 3 upwards.
Tap is a great choice for promoting coordination, a sense of rhythm, and for strengthening and loosening foot, ankle and leg muscles. Tap dance is exciting and fun and children can’t wait to get those noisy shoes on!
The ISTD examinations are accredited by the QCA.
Acro
At Danceforce School of Dancing, we follow the Acrobatic Arts Syllabus, consisting of exercises, drills and tricks teaching students how to safely execute impressive tumbles, balances and positions.
Our Acro classes are designed to help dancers of all skill levels develop their flexibility, strength and control.
Acro can seem similar to gymnastics, however, it uses a very different technique and is taught to blend seamlessly in and out of choreography to give performances an extra wow factor.
Book a 3 week trial for £20
Find the perfect class for you or your child!
All new students are welcome to have a 3-week trial in their chosen class to experience our classes and settle in. Trial lessons can be at the beginning of term or mid-term and must be booked and paid online before attending. Your trial lessons must be taken over three consecutive weeks.
We would love to meet you and welcome you to our Danceforce family!